Craig Picks Lawmaker As Running Mate

Harford County Executive David Craig kicked off his campaign for governor last month. (WBAL-TV file photo)

Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio lost her post as House Minority Whip in May. (Official photo)

A spokesman for Republican David Craig says the Harford County executive has chosen Del. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio as his running mate in his run for governor.

Jim Pettit, Craig's campaign spokesman, confirmed the selection in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.

Pettit says two news conferences have been scheduled for Tuesday to announce her selection. One will be in the morning in Annapolis. The other will be in the afternoon in St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore.

Haddaway-Riccio, who is 36, has been a member of the House of Delegates since August 2003. Her legislative district includes parts of Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico counties on the Eastern Shore.

Craig, 64, is finishing his second and last term as Harford County Executive.

Haddaway-Riccio served as House Minority Whip from 2011 until last May, when she and Minority Leader Tony O'Donnell were defeated in caucus elections by Delegates Nic Kipke and Kathy Szleiga.

Craig is one of two Republicans to have announced their candidacy.

Anne Arundel County Delegate Ron George also announced his candidacy last month.

Frederick County Commissioner Blaine Young and former Lt. Governor Michael Steele are considering a run for the Republican nomination.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown announced his candidacy in May, and last month named Howard County Executive Ken Ulman as his running mate.

Attorney General Doug Gansler says he will enter the Democratic race this fall. Montgomery County Delegate Heather Mizeur is also expected to run for governor.